Shaquille O’Neal likely to miss next game for Celtics

WALTHAM - Shaquille O’Neal missed his second straight practice on Monday with a knee bruise suffered late in Friday’s game against the Knicks. He likely will miss Tuesday’s game in Detroit.

“I doubt if he plays, but we’ll see,” coach Doc Rivers said. “If he has a chance, he’ll make the trip.”

O’Neal instead spent the time in the swimming pool with fellow injured big man Kendrick Perkins as both worked on therapy for knee injuries. The team did get good news on another O’Neal. Jermaine O’Neal returned to practice on Monday and will make the trip.

“He had a good practice and he’ll play,” Rivers said. “Obviously, it could swell or something. But right now, he looked good.”

Rivers said Jermaine O’Neal, who practiced with the first team, will see a lot of time, as will rookie Semih Erden.

Jermaine O’Neal admitted he’s been a disappointment so far, in part because of the injuries that have affected his conditioning.

“It’s been challenging. Obviously, the hamstring, the back a little bit, the wrist, now the knee, so it’s been extremely disappointing for me so far. But obviously, trials and tribulations will make you stronger and you have to take that as you never can be successful if you don’t fail,” he said. “So far, I haven’t been able do things that I want to do out there.”